Largest class of first-year students at FAMU from Alachua County were recognized Wednesday
The largest class of freshmen from Alachua County to enroll at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee were recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday night.
Hosted by the Alachua County chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association, the commitment ceremony included chapter president Boderick Johnson saying the university received 24,000 applications from first-year students, of which 1,600 were accepted into the prestigious historically Black college/university (HBCU).
Of those accepted into the university, 13 are from schools in Alachua County.
"The alumni association members are here to support and celebrate you," Johnson told the students who will be attending the school. "They were where you are today. Once you are a Rattler you become a part of the FAMU-ly. Once you get on campus, there is no feeling like it."
The students who were recognized are:
• Ayanna Hampton of Eastside High School
• Kenneth Martin of EHS
• Che' Reed Jr. of EHS
• Christopher Morgan of Santa Fe College
• Leilani Mills of EHS
• Kendra Jones of EHS
• Claudette Strickland of Gainesville High School
• Shalyn Williams of SF College
• Synteria Williams of Hawthorne High School
• Xyiah Moore of P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School
• Amari Witter of P.K. Yonge
• Trevor Brown of P.K. Yonge
• Kristen Cooper of P.K. Yonge
Families, friends, current and former FAMU students gave words of encouragement to the incoming first-year students.
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Afterwards each student shared their major and why they decided to enroll at FAMU.
In this year's cohort from Alachua County, students will be majoring in journalism, computer science, business management, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental science, information technology, physical therapy, nursing and healthcare management.
Mills said she is looking forward to the university's nursing program.
"I get to learn with people that look like me and can feel comfortable in the classroom," Mills said.
Ian Rentz, a Buchholz graduate who is currently attending FAMU and finishing his first year, gave advice to the 13 students.
"Remember why you went to college and don't get distracted," said Rentz, a member of the internationally renowned FAMU Marching 100 Band. The opportunities are Limitless so don't limit yourself. You can reach out to me for any advice socially or academically."
Brooksie McGraw, a FAMU alumna and graduate of PK Yonge, also shared advice with the incoming freshmen.
"Make sure to sit in front of the classrooms and make eye contact with your professor," McGraw said. "Check 'Rate My Professor' to see if their teaching fits your learning style and turn in your work on time. Find freshmen who are the same age as you."
Ishmael Rentz, a member of the FAMU alumni association and father to Ian Rentz, talked about the importance of time management.
"Time is your friend or you can make it your enemy," he said. "Make time to study. Enjoy yourself because it will be short. Before you know it, you will be walking across that stage."
Johnson advised the students to be responsible since it will be their first time away from their parents for so long.
"You are going to be responsible for you," Johnson said. “The professors will lay out the syllabus and whether or not you get to class it will all be on you. Don't get behind because catching up is tough."
The chapter will host a scholarship banquet from 6-8 p.m. May 18 at Springhill Baptist Church at 120 SE Williston Road.
To purchase a ticket, visit https://bit.ly/3QyBzdi.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: 13 students from Alachua County are committed to attending FAMU
